Construction Activity in U.S. Hospitals

Hospital construction activity is increasing, but little information exists
on what types of hospital capacity are affected and what is motivating specific
efforts. This analysis of Round Five Community Tracking Study data revealed
four general types of activity: new hospital construction or expansion of existing
general hospital capacity; new or expanded capacity in specialty services; replacement
of aged facilities; and expansion of capacity-constrained services. Some of
these actions are responsive to community need, but others resemble a medical-arms-race
response. Overall, current construction activity will provide more convenient
access for some consumers but at high cost if excess capacity results.

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